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The commission's chairman, Kyle Carlson of Colfax, said the exodus of young people is contributing to a labor shortage that could spell trouble for the economy.
"One of the key ways we can alleviate that is to have a young, skilled, highly educated work force to take some of those jobs," he said at a Statehouse news conference, dressed in a business suit and flanked by his suit-clad colleagues.
He said the top problem is financial, with recent college graduates fleeing the state in search of higher wages. Many of those people need high pay because they are buried in student loans from Iowa colleges.
The commission has a series of proposals aimed at wages and debt, including:
* A higher education tax credit for Iowans younger than 35.
* A student loan repayment assistance program targeted toward young Iowans who work in industries with a labor shortage.
* A greater emphasis in economic development programs on helping companies that offer high wages.
Beyond financial issues, Carlson said Iowans need to have a better attitude about their state.
"Iowa is a great place to be. We all know it. We have to start telling people why," he said.
The 15-member commission was created by the Legislature last year and appointed by Gov. Chet Culver. The panel held hearings across the state over the last four months.
Lt. Gov. Patty Judge introduced the commission and said its toughest work is yet to come. She said the members will continue to hold hearings and work with the Legislature to pass some of its agenda.
However, she said the report is probably too late to pass major tax legislation this year.
"If we can't do something in year one, that doesn't mean it goes away," she said.
Dan Gearino can be reached at (515) 243-0138 or dan.gearino@lee.net.
